Erasmus Experience in Limerick, Ireland by Marianne

Why did you choose to go to Limerick, Ireland?

I've heard that Ireland is a beautiful country and that people are friendly with Erasmus people. Both statements are definitely true! Moreover, the University organizes so many events throughout the Semester, you can't get bored even if the City center of Limerick is quite small.

How long is the scholarship? How much money do you receive to help you with living costs?

I'm in Ireland for one Semester (unfortunately) and I received approx. 1000€ from the Erasmus programme to help me with the living costs. It actually nearly covers my rent.

What is the student lifestyle like in Limerick?

It is just amazing! There is always something to do on the campus, there are many clubs and societies you can sign up for (sports but also comedy, tea appreciation, etc. ), a Student Union which organizes an event called "7 first weeks" to help freshers and Erasmus students to find their way around, discover things,.. There is also a society which organizes trips throughout the year.

Would you recommend the city and the University of Limerick to other students?

Definitely! I find it a pity that I haven't been told earlier that it is so great here. They have great contact with Erasmus students and I felt at home from the first week on!

What is the food like?

It's my personal opinion but my roomies agree: Irish people eat quite fat, but it is not a problem. Nobody said you have to eat every day a Full Irish breakfast! Haha. I always cook at home and bring my lunch box, it is cheaper and you can make people with other cultures to discover your typical dishes.

Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Limerick?

It was so hard! The thing is that landlords/landladies want people for the whole year and not only for one Semester. But this is an issue the University knows of and will arrange next year. Anyway, a list with more than 300 Numbers and email addresses is provided, you just call and hopefully, you are lucky, as I was! I've been during the summer in Limerick to find something. Oh, there are also student villages around the campus, but they are more expensive.

How much does it cost to live in Limerick?

280€ per month for rent and 100€ Bills for the whole Semester. I spend around 30€ for food per week, there is a Lidl, an Aldi,... just around the campus.

I'm also someone who goes out quite often. This is a Big budget when you consider that a pint costs 4, 50€.

Is the language easy to get to grips with? Are there language courses available at the University?

The accent of Irish people is easy to understand, It is harder to understand in Dublin and It is impossible to understand in Belfast. I would say I can be happy with Limerick!

There is a LANGUAGE LEARNING HUB on the campus where you can watch television in many Languages, listen to the radio, read magazines,... There are also tandems and classes.

What's the easiest or most economical way to travel to Limerick from your city?

It has definitely been the plain and of course with Ryanair: but don't take a plane to Shannon, it's much cheaper to Dublin and than to take a bus (15€) that stops just in front of the university!

Where would you recommend to go on a night out in Limerick?

Nancy's bar: a bar with no roof.

The Library: a club where they play live music on Saturday.

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